I was only able to use the bottle a few times when it was hot. I put the same number of cubes in this bottle and my regular Camelbak Podium. I used the Podium first and it was out of ice before the bottle was gone. When I switched to the Podium Ice still had a few pieces of ice left. Water was still cool but ice was gone shortly thereafter. The other time I filled the bottle to the top with ice and there was quite a bit left when I started using the bottle. I think if you freeze it half full with water it should do even better. I still need to do more tests before I would give it 5 stars, but I expected more given the price.
But, in the case of these great bottles Im beyond pleased. Ive been using the Podium Chill bottles for cycling and other activities for several years. So, when I saw the new Podium Ice bottles I bought two. They are a sweet upgrade from the Chill bottles. They slide in and out of holders better. Fit in your hand better. The nozzle which is what makes these bottles so good is a bigger beefier improvement. Lastly, they keep water colder twice as long as the Chill model. They come in several cool colors. The only negative is they are taller than the Chill bottles so the one I have in the down tube holder barely makes it out or in the holder without the nozzle coming in contact with my top tube. This is probably because of my frame geometry and is not that big of a deal for me. If youre not running these bottles on your bike you just dont know what you are missing out on.
Use this for Mtn. Biking, road biking, and cross country skiing. Like the fact that you can squeeze out just the amount of liquid you want and that it self closes when done.
Two features of the Podium Ice bottle stand out. The first is the locking spout which is extremely easy to use to get hydrated while maintaining control of the bike. The second is, with ice added to whatever liquid you are drinking, the liquid stays cold longer to keep you hydrated over long rides.
This bottle has solved my problem of riding 7 hours in 100 degree plus weather conditions. I freeze the bottle the night before and it takes about 3 to 4 hours before it defrosts enough to drink from it. So I am treated to cold water in the midst of the most torrid and remote riding conditions. Truly a lifesaver.
The Chill and the Ice bottles look the same (except for the price tag, of course). So I was very skeptical.
Very unscientific, I know, but I took one Podium Ice bottle and one Podium Chill bottle on a bike ride. After 3 hours the Chill bottle's ice had all melted, the Ice bottle's ice was still healthily rattling around in the bottle. Four times longer than a regular bottle? - perhaps, but my initial experience shows that the Ice bottle lasted about twice as long as a Chill bottle. Still not sure if the price is fully justified, but it does seem to work pretty well.
If live in warmer climate like I do, Podium Ice is a must to keep your drink on cool side for more than first hour or so. Definite improvement over Podium Chill.
Worth every penny if you live in hot climate. Keeps liquids colder twice as long as basic insulated podium bottle.
I fill the bottle half full and freeze it. when i'm ready to go ride I fill it the rest of the way up. it's good for a couple hours in hot weather.sure is nice to have a cold drink .
I have some of the Camelbak Podium Big Chill bottles and the Podium Ice stays cold noticeably longer.
This bottle is a great upgrade over previous models. It is easy to use and the insulation is better as well!
